The Baltimore Sun

January 24, 1909, page 22.

Cardinal at Unveiling

Painting Of James Ryder Randall Now On View.

State Honors For The Author

James Bryce, British Ambassador,
Among Those Who Paid Tribute
To Writer Of State's Own Song.

[Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun.]

Annapolis, Md., Jan. 23.—in the presence of Governor Crothers, Cardinal Glbbons and a representative gathering of prominent citizens of the State and city, the memory of James Ryder Randall, author of “Maryland, My Maryland,” was honored, and his achievement as a writer of poetry, landed here this afternoon at the exercises attendent upon the unveiling of a portrait of the author in the hall of the House of Delegates at the State House. The portrait Which is a striking likeness of the writer of the famous song, occupies the space just above the rostrum of the Speaker. It was presented to the State by the chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy.

The opening of the ceremonies was delayed to some extent because of the lateness of the train, bearing Governor Crothers, who presided, in reaching the city. The principal address was delivered by Prof. Henry E. Shepherd, of Baltimore. The opening prayer was offered by Cardlnal Gibbons, who stays In Annapolis to administer confirmation in St. Mary's Catholic Church tomorrow morning. Following this, Governor Crothers delivered the introductory address, in the course of which he spoke of how fitting it was that the memory of the man who wrote the song that so many of us love should be honored today. Then followed the ceremonies of unveiling the portrait. This act was performed by Katharine Randall Adams, of Augusta, Ga., granddaughter of the poet and author, and Miss Julia Tisdale, daughter of Mrs. Julia Tisdale, of Annapolis, who pulled the cords, releasing a large American and State flag. Mrs. Edward C. Gantt, of Annapolis, sang “Maryland, My Maryland.”

The Governor then Introduced Mr. C. C. Magruder, Clerk of the Maryland Court of Appeals, who delivered a brief but pleasing address, in which he referred to the character of the noted poet, with whom he said he had had the pleasure of close asssociation in his later years, and of his genius as a writer. The Governor then accepted the portrait in behalf of the people of the State and assured the donors that he would see that the proper care was taken of it. Mr. George Forbes, of Baltimore, formerly a resident of Annapolis, was then introduced by the Governor and he read a letter from Ambassador James Bryce, and also two of Mr. Randall's famous poems. His recitations of the poems was very well received. The principle address of the exerclses was delivered by Prof. Henry E. Shepherd, of Baltimore.

Mr. Andrews, the. literary executor of Randall, wrote to the Governor:

“It is with the most Sincere regret that, at the last moment, I find I cannot be present at the unveiling of Mr. Randall's portrait.

“As the literary executor of the poet, I would say that the author of the most spirited appeal to arms and to love of country In the English tongue did not live to see his poems collected for publlcatlon. Lovers of poetic expression and imagery have not had nn opportunity of knowing what ethereal beauty lies in his verse, and what varied charm in thought and rhythm.

“The realization that James Ryder Randall is a poet of peculiar power and a aster of metrical composition is yet to come. Despite the present natural and prevailing opinion, when his poems are known he will not go down in the history of American literature as the ‘author of a single song,” even though that song may be ‘Maryland, My Maryland.’ Very truly yours,  Matthew Page Andrews.”

Mr. Bryce wrote:
    British Embassy,
        Washington, Jan, 15.

Dear Mr. Andrews: I should like very much to come to your ceremony at Annapolis, but sadly fear it will not be possible, for I am so much pressed by work now, and I am likely to be much pressed till the end of this month and perhaps longer, that I cannot venture to be away from Washington even for a couple of hours. Pray express my sincere regret. I am very glad that the poet's name and fame will be duly commemorated in the capital city of his State. I am, very truly yours,  James Bryce.

Mr. Page Andrews, 1018 St. Paul street, Baltimore.

Professor Shephard's Tribute.

Professor Shepbard said:

“With all that Poe, Lanier, Ticknor, Timrod and Randall have achieved in the purest ranges ot poetry, as well as in the subtlest flelds of investigation and research, we of Maryland and of the South are still content meekly to acquiesce in the judgment of New England oracles, as sitting In the seat of the scornful they refuge to accord to us not merely literary creations as accomplished-results, but even literary potentiality or the power of bringing them into throbbing, vigorous life.

“We accept without demur or dissent the arrogant and undiscriminating estimates of our traditional foes; and despite it all the State of Maryland inscribes upon her poet roll two names, one never approached, the other never excelled in the chronicles of Cambridge or of Boston. Either of these is sufficient to take away the reproach our enemies would fasten upon us. The renown of both has encircled the globe. Randall's one song has carried the fame of Maryland almost beyond the limits accessible to travel, or penetrated by the relentless spirit of commercial and geographical enterprise.

Randall Descendants There.

An added interest was given the ceremonies by the presence of several close descendants of the noted author, including two sisters, Miss Mary and Fanny Randall, of Baltimore; Mrs. John Randall, of Baltimore, a sister-in-law; Miss Margaret Randall, of Baltimore, a niece, and Mrs. Katharine Randall Adams, of Augusta, Ga., a granddaughter. In addition, there were present a number of members of the Baltimore Chapter, Daughters of the Confederacy, including Mrs. Jorn Prentiss Poe, the president, also Mr. Poe, the judges of the Court of Appeals and other persons of prominence.

The presentation of a portrait of Mr. Randall was largely inspired by Mrs. Robert Bowie, of Annapolis, a descendant of governor Bowie. Mrs. Bowie is president the local chapter of Confederate Daughers and arranggd for the unveiling ceremonies.

Work Of Miss Walton.

The portrait of Randall is inclosed in a gilt frame, the dimensions of which are three and a half by two feet. It was painted by Miss Katharine Kent Walton, of Annapolis, and is pronounced by those who knew the poet and author as a most excellent likeness. It portrays Mr. Randall in his prime at the age of 44 years. Miss Walton not only has the art of portraiture, but the spirit of life is recognized In all her work, and in this portrait she has been most happy not only in giving true likeness but in expressing the true character of the man. The portrait is painted in pure color, without glazing or medium. Miss Walton is better known as a portrait miniature painter, having painted the miniatures of number of prominent people of Marylånd and other States, and wherever seen, her Work has received the highest commendation. Miss Walton is the daughter of Dr. H. Roland Walton, of Annapolis, and is well known, coming from a long line of prominent Maryland families.

At the base of the portrait a brass plate bears the following inscription:
“James Ryder Randall, author of “Maryland, My Maryland” born in Baltimore, January 1, 1839 ; died in Augusta, Ga., January 14, 1908. Painted by Miss Katharine Kent Walton, of Annapolis.”

Cardinal at Unveiling, The Baltimore Sun, January 24, 1909, page 22.(PDF)